Can a Doctors refuse to give an copy of my medical records?
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You are entitled to have a copy of your medical records. Some offices may charge a copying fee, but it shouldn't cost much. If doctors refuse to give you a copy of your medical records run to another doctor (that's what a few of my doctors have told me).
You should be able to get a copy but they can charge you by the page to give it to you.
Never, but they can charge a copying fee. You are legally entitled to a copy of them.
Only doctors who can refuse to provide you a copy of your personal medical records after you have applied are Psychologists and Psychiatrist. These two groups can edit records if they feel that the information will do more harm than good.
short answer, yes. long answer, no. An M.D. can refuse to give you the original, hard copy he generates in his office. He has to provide you w/copies upon request; meaning within reasonable time frame. Most Dr.'s will get you those copies while you wait, unless you have particularly voluminous records, or he has a medical reason to refuse, such as a pt. having some kind of mental condition. But in the case of your average person, if you are moving, then the Dr. may either give you your records, or send them to your new physician himself. Of course, outstanding balance on a pt.'s acct. will prevent any kind of action on the part of the Dr/'s office.
No but, the Doc's office can charge you to obtain your records. However, if you are changing Doc's and, you have a new one, the other Doc's office can mail your records to your new Doc. In this case, most Docs' offices will not charge you. The office will need you to sign a Medical Release form before they can give your records to you or to another Doc. I hope that this has helped. Just a thought, do you owe the office money?? They may have the right to withhold if you had signed something that allows them to do this.
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